The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Atlanta

With its extensive highway network and proximity to major distribution centers, Atlanta has become a hub for the trucking industry. Semi-trucks and other big rigs dominate surrounding interstates, increasing the risk of truck accidents in Atlanta.

Negligence on the part of the trucker, the trucking company, or other motorists is often to blame. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about the risks and common causes of these crashes.

Heavy Truck Traffic Makes Truck Accidents In Atlanta More Likely To Happen

Atlanta has the busiest airport in the country, is close to the Savannah port, and has a well-connected rail system and numerous interstates surrounding the city. These and other factors have contributed to making Atlanta a hub for the trucking industry. Unfortunately, while this creates jobs and boosts the local economy, it can make truck accidents in Atlanta more likely to happen.

The Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety reports that more than 25,000 truck accidents in Georgia occur yearly, the majority of which are in the Atlanta area. Common hazards when sharing the road with commercial trucks include:

• Heavy Traffic Congestion: Sudden stops and lane merging can be especially hazardous near large trucks, which require longer stopping distances.
• Construction: Ongoing construction projects to better accommodate large trucks in Atlanta temporarily create narrower lanes and unexpected detours, making it difficult for truckers to navigate safely.
• Tight Interchanges and On-Ramps: I-85 and other interstates in Atlanta have complex interchanges that increase the likelihood of crashes, particularly when truckers fail to signal or check blind spots.
• Limited Truck Bans: Though not allowed in the center of the city, trucks still flood surrounding highways, where the risks of jackknifes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups are high.

How Negligence Increases Atlanta Truck Accident Risks

Trucking accidents in Atlanta have the potential to be catastrophic for other drivers. While conditions on local interstates increase the risk, the underlying cause is often negligence on the part of the trucker, the trucking company, and others involved. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this includes:

• Drowsy driving due to the long shifts truckers work, which leads to slower reaction times and other impacts;
• Distracted driving, such as cell phones, texting, or changing GPS navigation;
• Speeding and reckless driving on the part of the trucker or other motorists involved;
• Poor vehicle maintenance, in which mechanical failures contribute to a crash;
• Improperly loaded cargo, which makes the truck harder to maneuver and increases rollover risks.

Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one gets hurt due to a truck accident in Atlanta, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, proving liability can be challenging, as multiple parties may be to blame.

At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorneys investigate, gather evidence and hold those at fault accountable. For trusted legal representation in Savannah, St. Simons, Alpharetta, Decatur, Jonesboro, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, Roswell, and throughout DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties, give us a call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief